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Devotion to Sacred Heart rooted in Gospels

This year, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus lands on June 19, but the church dedicates the entire month to honoring the Sacred Heart.

The devotion is rooted in the Gospels, especially in the account of the crucifixion, where Jesus’ side is pierced by a soldier’s spear.

Through the centuries, his heart has become a symbol of the “excessive mercy” of his heart and his “all-powerful love,” as described by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun who lived from 1647 to 1690 and received a series of visions of Christ.

The devotion has several aspects, including consecration to the Sacred Heart and making reparation for the indifference and ingratitude shown to God.

One practice is a Daily Offering:

“O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month. Amen.”

Other practices include a First Friday devotion, enthronement of the Sacred Heart, and a litany of the Sacred Heart. These and other forms of prayer can be found online or at Catholic bookstores.

 

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